If you're hoping to preorder the PlayStation 4, turning to Amazon might not be your best bet.

The company's initial supply of "Launch Edition" PlayStation 4 units has been exhausted. Amazon has now resorted to selling the "Standard Edition," which won't be available until December 31. When clicking on the "Launch Edition" option on Amazon's page, the company indicates that it's unsure "when or if this item will be back in stock."

Luckily, those looking for a PlayStation 4 on launch day -- which Sony is keeping fuzzy, so far saying only that the console will launch in time for holiday shopping -- should be able to find one elsewhere on the Web. Best Buy is still offering preorders on Sony's console for launch, and GameStop is selling bundles that come with a single game for $459.98. The PlayStation 4 on its own costs $399.

One other important note: Amazon is still offering preorders on the Xbox One that will arrive on launch day. A sign of things to come?

About the author

Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
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